When he died in San Antonio in 2004 at age 81, renowned photographer Richard Avedon drew high praise from The New York Times, which wrote that "his fashion and portrait photographs helped define America's image of style, beauty and culture for the last half-century."

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art understands the significance.

The museum is on a roll, showcasing at the moment two compelling exhibitions that bespeak great photography. "The Polaroid Project: At the Intersection of Art and Technology" runs through Sept. 3. The other is "Avedon in Texas: Selections from 'In the American West,' " which runs through July 2.

Petra Alvarado, factory worker, El Paso, Texas, on her birthday 4/22/82 by Richard Avedon is part of the new show at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

(The Richard Avedon Foundation)

Here's the skinny on the Avedon show:

In 1978, he agreed to take on a commission from the Amon Carter to create a portrait of the American West through its people. In its description of the show, Carter officials say "he was filled with uncertainty about whether the project would succeed."

Avedon headed to the Rattlesnake Round-Up in Sweetwater, where he created six portraits that set the bar for an additional five years of photography.

He managed to tell the stories of a group of Texans through their faces and clothes, even the way they stood or sat.

What resulted is a selection of 17 images that museum officials say illustrate why In the American West "has become a touchstone in photographic history."

Local angle on Avedon: He mentored portrait photographer Laura Wilson, who gives him enormous credit for the success of her own career and style. Her son, actor Owen Wilson, has spoken often of the cool people his parents would invite to their home, Avedon being among them.

A combined tour of the Avedon show and "Homer and Remington in Black and White" is available every Saturday at 1 p.m., no reservations required.

Plan your life

"Avedon in Texas: Selections from In the American West," through July 2, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. cartermuseum.org

Twitter: @mgranberry

Boyd Fortin, Thirteen Year Old Rattlesnake Skinner, Sweetwater, Texas, 3/10/79 is part of the Avedon show at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.